Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has clarified the decision behind Victor Osimhen’s absence from Nigeria’s penalty shootout defeat to Morocco in the semifinals of the Africa Cup of Nations.

Nigeria bowed out of the tournament after losing 4–2 on penalties following extra time, with questions raised over Osimhen’s late substitution and his non-participation in the shootout.

The Galatasaray striker was withdrawn near the end of extra time and replaced by Trabzonspor forward Paul Onuachu, a move that ruled him out of the penalties.

Onuachu went on to convert Nigeria’s opening kick, but misses from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyeamachi proved costly as Morocco advanced to the final.

Speaking on RMC Sport’s After Foot, Chelle revealed that the decision was influenced by Osimhen himself, who informed the coaching staff of a fitness concern.

“We practice penalty kicks in every training session, and I keep statistics on who performs best and who struggles,” Chelle explained.

“Before the shootout, Victor came to me and said, ‘Coach, my ankle is really bad. It hurts, and I can’t take a penalty kick.’”

The Malian tactician declined to elaborate on why midfielder Alex Iwobi did not feature among the penalty takers, despite being one of the team’s senior figures.

“I have my own statistics. Ademola Lookman was the fifth taker. As for Iwobi, that’s something I won’t discuss. What happens within the group stays within the group,” Chelle added.

According to the coach, penalty shootout decisions are based on preparation, readiness, and responsibility. He also referenced Nigeria’s third-place playoff win over Egypt, where the Super Eagles triumphed on penalties.

“Against Egypt, I selected players who were ready to take responsibility and accept the outcome,” he said.

Despite missing out on the final, Nigeria ended their AFCON campaign on a positive note by defeating Egypt in the third-place match to claim the bronze medal.